Report: Execs expect Devin Williams, Ryan Helsley to be traded

Two of the best closers in baseball could be in new uniforms to begin next season.

Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Devin Williams and St. Louis Cardinals righty Ryan Helsley are expected to be traded this winter, executives told ESPN's Jeff Passan.

Both pitchers have one year of club control remaining.

The Brewers declined a $10.5-million option on Williams over the weekend, which means the sides will head to arbitration to determine his 2025 salary. General manager Matt Arnold said in October that Milwaukee would stay "open-minded" about trading Williams.

The 30-year-old is projected to earn $7.7 million in arbitration, while Helsley's projected salary is $6.9 million, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

Williams appeared in 22 games for the Brewers last season, authoring a 1.25 ERA and 15.8 K/9 across 21 2/3 innings. He missed the first four months of the campaign with stress fractures in his back.

Meanwhile, Helsley is coming off a 49-save campaign for the Cardinals. He posted a 2.04 ERA and 10.7 K/9 in 66 1/3 innings.

The Cardinals are expected to reduce costs this winter and have already declined options on pitchers Lance Lynn, Kyle Gibson, and Keynan Middleton.